b'As a nation obsessed with the outdoors, we just love relaxing outside, entertaining friends at home, and hanging out with the kids in the garden. Thats why the concept of the outdoor room or living space has really taken off here; and with this lifestyle trend has come a proliferation of outdoor furniture options to suit any taste, home style, and practical requirement. As well as the traditional timber and wrought iron weve all grown up with, technological advances and the use of products from the marine industry, mean outdoor furniture is now available in an array of durable, U.V.-resistant, all-weather materials. Amongthem,youllfindSunbrellaacryliccanvas,hard-wearing wovensyntheticfibres,solution-dyedacrylicyarns,fast-drying Dripore foam that filters rather than absorbs water, and durable zips made from injection-moulded resin. Resistant to mould, mildew, sunscreen,fading,corrosionandextremetemperatures,these materials are ideal for the manufacture of stylish, low-maintenance outdoor furniture.But before you rush out and make that costly impulse purchase, there are a few things to consider:Home style and existing indoor furniture When you walk through your home to your outdoor living space, the visual effect needs to be as seamless as possible. To achieve this, choose outdoor seating that complements your existing furniture in style and colour. Going from a living room full of ornate antique furniture to a patio furnished with streamlined modern sofas can be quite jarring, so aim for continuity of your dcor.SpaceYoull also need to ensure the items you choose are in proportion to the space you have available. If your outdoor living area consists of a small deck, go for something like the space-saving Marine Bean. Those with more room can opt for more substantial pieces that wont be overpowered by the scale of the garden. LifestyleSelect furniture that will suit your lifestyle now and into the future. Consider who uses your outdoor living space and how. A diningLeftGracing ocean liners and luxury resorts, Dedons eye-catching furniture is made from hand-woven, thru-dyed synthetic fibre thats resistant to salt water, chlorine, sun creams and U.V. light. Pictured is the Orbit, available from Domo Collections. www.domo.co.nz or phone 09 921 5574 or 03 379 8818.words Deirdre Coleman109'